Change the world with digital technology, Microsoft CEO tells students

By Emeka Aginam, in Seattle, Washington
Thrilled by the innovative solutions presented by no fewer than 120 best students from 34 countries around the world, the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, Satya Nadella during an award ceremony at the ongoing 2016 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition holding in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America challenged the students to change the world with digital technology.

Microsoft’s Imagine Cup is the world’s most prestigious student technology competition, bringing together student innovators from all over the world.

From left to right: Victor Shoaga, Blessing Oyatope and Babatunde Otaru setting their project for presentation before panel of Microsoft judges at the ongoing 2016 Imagine Cup worldwide finals holding in Seattle, Washinton. Photo By Emeka Aginam

“Think about your passions, what keeps them up at night. Imagine the future and connect that future you imagine to your core.

“In a world like this where digital technology is having an impact in every walk of life, in every country, you are the ones who are going to help us everywhere move our economies, move our societies, and then also make sure the dividends we create out of digital technology is actually more evenly spread in the world”, the Microsoft CEO who was full of excitement told the 35 teams that participated at the Imagine Cup worldwide finals at the home of Microsoft, Redmond, the United States of America.

Urging the smartest students to take their products to the market to solve many issues including health, environment, social, among others, he said with optimism that the students have the chance to difference in the world with digital technology.

“Technology is evolving. Technology is changing the world. Use technology solutions to your communities. Use your passion. This is the beginning of your success. Everybody is a winner. I want Imagine to open more opportunities for you. Make contacts”, the Microsoft CEO added.

Although Team Nigeria from Obefemi Awolowo University , OAU, Ile-Ife did not advance to World Championship round despite their impressive outing, the good news is that they were among the 8 teams nominated for Ability award. Good news is that Nigeria is the only country from West African flying the region’s flag here in the United States of America.

I is a positive signal that software Nigeria can compete globally if given the opportunity.
Teams from Thailand, Romania and Greece were named world champions in the 2016 Microsoft Imagine Cup yesterday. The winners in the three categories — games, innovation and world citizenship will today compete for the top prize. Any team that wins will a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Meanwhile, below are details of the winning teams that have received a $50,000 check from Microsoft. PH21, a team of students studying computer engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand took home the prize in the games category.

Their puzzle-based game, Timelie, centres around a woman who steals a device that can see into the future, and a young girl whose ability to manipulate time was used to create the device

Three Romanian computer scientists won the innovation category. ENTy is a wearable device that tracks inner ear balance and spinal posture and tell users if they are having balance or posture issues.

Team AMANDA, engineering students from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, won in the world citizenship category. Their project uses an ICT approach to identify characteristics that might make someone a bully and give psychologists tools to intervene.

This year’s finalists were trimmed from 150 teams to 35 that advanced from national finals events. The final round of the contest will be held today at Garfield High School today and will feature special guest judges.